Why I Love Making Homemade Orange Puree
Some days, I just need a spoonful of sunshine—and that’s exactly what this orange puree delivers. It’s fresh, fruity, and incredibly simple to make with just a few real ingredients. Whether I’m stirring it into cakes, blending it into smoothies, or spooning it over yogurt, it adds the perfect burst of citrus flavor.
What makes this puree so special is its versatility. From desserts to breakfasts, it slides right into so many recipes without a fuss. No preservatives, no artificial flavors—just pure, golden orange goodness, made right in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Making this orange puree doesn’t require any fancy gadgets—just a few everyday tools I already had in my kitchen drawer. Over time, I’ve found that using the right items not only makes the process easier but also helps bring out the best texture and flavor.
My Go-To Tools
- Zester or fine grater – To get all that fragrant zest without the bitter white pith
- Citrus juicer – Handheld or press-style, just enough to squeeze out every last drop
- Blender or food processor – For blending everything into a smooth, silky puree
- Measuring cups or kitchen scale – Accuracy matters with citrus!
- Airtight glass jar or small container – For storing the puree in the fridge or freezer
These tools keep things simple and mess-free, so I can go from zesting to spooning in under 10 minutes. And that little jar of sunshine? Always worth it.
Ingredients for the Perfect Orange Puree
Here’s everything I use when making this orange puree at home. It’s simple, fresh, and doesn’t require anything fancy—just real citrus flavor with a touch of balance.
- 100g orange zest (from about 6 clean, unwaxed oranges)
- 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice – strained to remove seeds and pulp
- 20g caster sugar – dissolves easily and adds light sweetness
- A pinch of salt – just enough to balance the citrus and enhance the flavor
This version is sweet, zesty, and smooth—perfect for baking, spooning, or swirling into whatever recipe needs a pop of brightness.
See also: Cranberry purée – another vibrant fruit blend with a tart twist.
How to Make Orange Puree at Home
Prep Time: 10 minutes · Cook Time: None · Total Time: 10 minutes
This orange puree comes together in minutes, and it’s one of those simple recipes that delivers big flavor with very little effort. Here’s exactly how I make it:
1. Zest Your Oranges
Use a fine grater or microplane to zest your oranges. Be sure to only take the colorful outer layer—avoid the bitter white pith.
Not sure how to zest properly? This MasterClass guide shows exactly what orange zest is and how to get the most out of it.
2. Juice and Strain
Squeeze the oranges and measure out about 50ml of juice. I like to strain it to remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother puree.
3. Add to Blender
Place the orange zest and juice in your blender or food processor. Add the caster sugar and pinch of salt right on top.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Process everything together until the mixture is smooth and bright. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything is well blended.
5. Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste—add more juice if it’s too thick, or a little extra zest if it feels too thin. Letting it chill in the fridge also helps it thicken slightly.
6. Store It Right
Pour the finished puree into a clean, airtight glass jar. Keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips & Tricks from My Kitchen
This orange puree is already simple, but these little tips make it even more useful (and fun!) in the kitchen.
- Swap in Natural Sweeteners
If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try using a bit of honey or agave instead of caster sugar. It adds a gentle sweetness without overpowering the citrus. - Add Extra Zing
A few drops of lemon or lime juice can give the puree a brighter, tangier flavor—especially if your oranges are very sweet. - Freeze in Portions
Pour the puree into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, pop out a cube or two whenever you need a quick burst of citrus for sauces, marinades, or drinks. - Use it as a Glaze Base
This makes an amazing starter for a citrus glaze—just whisk it with a little powdered sugar for cakes, scones, or even roasted carrots. - Make it Kid-Friendly
Skip the salt altogether and mix the puree into yogurt, oatmeal, or fruit bowls for a toddler-safe, naturally sweet treat.
What’s Inside Each Spoonful of Orange Puree
If you’re wondering what kind of goodness is packed into this bright little blend, here’s a quick look at the nutrition per tablespoon (approximate):
- Calories: ~65 kcal
- Total Fat: ~0.2g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Sugar: ~0.7g
- Fiber: ~0.2g
- Vitamin C: About 6% of your daily value
Keep in mind, this will vary slightly based on how juicy your oranges are and whether you tweak the sweetness. But no matter what—it’s fresh, flavorful, and way better than anything from a bottle.
Serving & Storage Ideas for Orange Puree
This orange puree is one of those little kitchen gems that works across sweet and savory recipes. Here’s how I love to use it:
How to Use It
- Stir it into salad dressings or citrus marinades
- Swirl it through cake batter, muffin mix, or pancake recipes
- Spoon it over yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese
- Use it as a fruit layer in parfaits or overnight oats like in these peach cobbler overnight oats.
- Blend into mocktails or sparkling water for a refreshing twist
How to Store It
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days
- Freeze: Pour into an ice cube tray for longer storage—pop out a cube when needed
- Stir before using: It may naturally separate, so give it a quick stir or shake
A little goes a long way, and once you start using it, you’ll think of new ways to brighten up your dishes every day.
FAQs About Orange Puree
How to get orange puree?
You can make orange puree at home in just minutes. All you need is fresh orange zest and juice, a little sugar, and a blender. It’s fresher and more flavorful than any store-bought version—and no preservatives!
How to make a puree?
A puree is made by blending soft or cooked ingredients until smooth. For fruit purees like this one, simply combine fresh fruit (or zest and juice), add a small amount of liquid or sweetener if needed, and blend until silky.
Is puree just blended fruit?
In most cases, yes—fruit puree is simply fresh or cooked fruit that’s been blended until smooth. Sometimes a bit of juice, sweetener, or seasoning is added to adjust texture or taste, but at its core, it’s just smooth, spoonable fruit.
What is an example of a puree?
A perfect example is this orange puree—made from orange zest and juice blended with a touch of sugar. Other common purees include applesauce, mango puree, and strawberry puree, all used in desserts, drinks, or even baby food.
What is fruit puree?
Fruit puree is a thick, smooth mixture made by processing fresh or cooked fruit. It’s commonly used in desserts, sauces, baby food, drinks, and baked goods to add natural flavor and texture.
Print
Homemade Orange Puree (Full Printable Recipe)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes about ¾ cup (approx. 180 ml) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This zesty homemade orange puree is vibrant, fresh, and perfect for adding citrus flavor to any dish.
Simple ingredients and a silky texture make it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory recipes.
Ingredients
- 100g orange zest (from about 6 clean, unwaxed oranges)
- 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice, strained
- 20g caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Zest the oranges using a fine grater, avoiding the white pith.
2. Squeeze and strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
3. Add zest, juice, caster sugar, and salt to a blender or food processor.
4. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
5. Taste and adjust texture with more juice or zest as desired.
6. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
For a natural sweetener alternative, use honey or agave instead of sugar. Add lemon or lime juice for extra brightness, or freeze portions in an ice cube tray for easy use in sauces or drinks. This puree also makes a great base for glazes, fruit toppings, or mixing into yogurt and batters.
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 1-Tablespoon Serving
- Calories: ~65 kcal
- Sugar: ~0.7g
- Fat: ~0.2g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Fiber: ~0.2g
Keywords: orange puree, citrus sauce, fruit puree, homemade orange spread, sugar-free fruit topping
Conclusion
This homemade orange puree is one of those simple little recipes that can do so much. Whether you’re baking, blending, drizzling, or stirring, it brings a bright burst of citrus to every bite—or sip.
Made with just fresh oranges and a few pantry staples, it’s easy, versatile, and totally free of anything artificial. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge (or freezer) all the time—just like I do!
And if you’re a fan of bright, citrusy flavors, don’t miss my soothing lemon tea recipe—it’s another cozy kitchen favorite.